Power outage planned in Ferron for electric upgrades on Oct. 17

A new permanent transformer is in place at the Ferron substation and Rocky Mountain Power has scheduled the final installation work for Thursday, October 17, requiring a scheduled outage.

"The remaining connection work requires a planned outage that day to safely transfer electrical service to the new transformer," said Deb Dull, Rocky Mountain Power customer and community manager. "This outage is scheduled to occur from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. that day."

The new transformer will replace the temporary equipment that was installed when a transformer in the substation was damaged in August.

"This planned outage is necessary in order to safely complete connection of the new transformer to the other substation equipment," Dull said. "Because this process will take some hours to complete and can be scheduled in advance, we are able to notify our customers so they can make preparations for the power outage."

Dull reminds customers that having an emergency kit assembled and available is helpful for any type of outage. Items to include in an outage preparedness kit include: a flashlight with extra batteries, battery-operated alarm clock and radio, ready-to-eat foods and a manual can opener, bottled water, blankets, and a first aid kit. In addition, customers should have an emergency plan in place specific to their own household that would include communications with family members, community contacts and preparations for individual medical needs such as medicines and life support.

"Another reminder is to keep the doors of the refrigerator and freezer closed during an outage," Dull said. "For example, a full freezer should be able to keep food safe for approximately two days."

For more information and tips on outage preparation, check out the Rocky Mountain Power website at www.rockymountainpower.net/outage then click Outage Safety.